UT Austin student group holds 'Protest for Women & LGBTQIA+ Rights'

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), an organization at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), hosted a protest on October 27 demanding that the university “[become] a sanctuary campus for trans youth,” “make gender studies an actual department,” and provide “free period hygiene products on campus.”

Campus Reform obtained exclusive footage and photos from the protest.

The protest consisted of only around six protesters. One protester, a young lady who was wearing what appeared to be a Burger King crown, explained, “I go by they/them pronouns, I’m gender fluid with several disabilities,” adding, “oh, I’m also autistic.”

The protest continued with several chants, including “What do we do? Stand up; fight back - when trans rights are under attack!”

[RELATED: Rising number of LGBTQ youth explained by a ‘dash of trendiness’]

The protesters held up signs that read “Abortion Saves Lives,” “Safe Abortion Saves Lives,” “Save Trans Kids Live[s], Make UT a Sanctuary,” and “Protect Trans Students.”

[RELATED: UCI offers ‘Advanced’ LGBT ‘Safe Zone’ trainings]

The group has been active in protesting other issues recently, as well.

This week, SDS observed a “national day of action against the national ‘Don’t say Gay’ bill” by assembling once again. In an Instagram post, protesters can be seen holding signs reading “STOP the National Don’t Say Gay Bill–We Say Gay,” “Defend Gay and Trans Youth,” and “Say No to Transphobia.”

The bill referred to, currently being considered in the House, is called “The Stop the Sexualization of Children Act,” and would prevent schools that receive federal funding from teaching sexual content, or content related to gender ideology, to young children.

Campus Reform has contacted all relevant parties and will update accordingly.

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